535 more genes found to influence blood pressure

Postscript

535 more genes found to influence blood pressure

Researchers studied DNA samples from more than 1 million people.

Clare McLean

The findings will help identify people with a higher risk of hypertension, a researcher said.

In the largest global genetic study of blood pressure to date, researchers have newly identified more than 500 genetic regions that influence the measure. The findings more than triple the number of blood pressure genetic signals to over 1,000.

"These findings will be useful in two ways: First, we will learn more about the many mechanisms that lead to high blood pressure, which will help us control it with drugs. Second, for people who have many of these genetic risk factors, we’ll be able to provide an early warning of their risk of high blood pressure in later life," said co-author Ken Rice, professor of biostatistics at the School of Public Health.